I'm always on the look out for easy but healthy ways to make life more enjoyable and sometimes come across surprising answers to perplexing questions...like, 'can I enjoy my chocolate and eat it?' A recent Cytoplan blog confirmed that I can, and with Easter on the horizon, it was very welcome news indeed. 

 

This coming Easter is set to be fine and sunny but before you reach for the chemical sunscreen (I am definitely not advocating getting sun burnt here, take sensible precautions of course), consider this:... according to two studies, dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids and over) may help to protect skin from UV light by improving blood flow and increasing skin density and hydration. 

 

In one study of 30 people, the MED (Minimal Erythemal Dose - is the minimal amount of UVB rays required to cause redness in the skin 24 hours after exposure), more than doubled after consuming 20g per day of high flavanol, dark chocolate for 12 weeks. 

 

The blog also notes the positive effects that dark chocolate can have on intestinal flora which it modifies in the same way as pre and pro-biotics do; a beneficial impact on cortisol, one of the hormones released in response to stress, and a positive influence on heart health. 

 

So bring on the sunshine, bring on the Easter chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa solids remember) and let the healthy but good times roll, guilt free!